Mi'kmaq, supporters in Halifax back Idle No More protests

Shelley Young of Eskasoni speaks at a meeting of Mi'kmaq and community groups in Halifax on Friday, which are opposed to the federal government's Bill C-45. (PETER PARSONS / Staff)

Members of the Mi’kmaq nation and supporters gathered Friday morning at Halifax’s World Trade and Convention Centre to show support for the Idle No More movement.

The news conference and panel discussion, which drew about 100 people, was one of many events held across Canada on Friday to demand the federal government revoke Bill C-45, its omnibus budget legislation, which critics say takes away inherent treaty rights and weakens environmental protections.

“We are trying to create awareness and allies with the Canadian public because we are all one, really, in Canada,” said Shelley Young, a Mi’kmaq activist from Eskasoni.

The grassroots Idle No More movement got its start a few weeks ago on social media and quickly gained momentum with peaceful protests and marches springing up all over the country. Friday was dubbed a day of action across Canada as aboriginal groups and supporters held peaceful protests, news conferences and other events from coast to coast.

In Nova Scotia, protests were held on highways near Truro and the Canso Causeway.

Young, who organized the Halifax gathering, said she felt it was important to hold an event in the largest city in Atlantic Canada. It drew a broad range of people, young and old, including labour representatives, environmentalists, grassroots activists and university professors.

“We wanted to create awareness in Halifax ... and we wanted to create a coalition because we know this (bill) affects environment, labour unions. It affects a lot of Canadians,” Young said in an interview.

“Our biggest concern is the environment. Our treaty rights are being ignored. We are protectors of the land, and we will do anything.”

Young broke down at one point in the panel discussion as she talked about Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation in Ontario. Spence, whom Young described as “a warrior” who is standing up for all aboriginal people, is on a hunger strike trying to get a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper about the federal legislation and aboriginal issues.

Cheryl Maloney, president of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association, said the Harper government is facing many “strong, young, determined, educated, motivated and spiritually grounded aboriginal people.”

“Nothing will ever go back. We will never be idle again.”

Kelly Murphy, a member of the board of directors of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union and chairwoman of the union’s young workers committee, told those at the event that she is not an expert on the government legislation but doesn’t need to be.

“I think that is part of the point,” she said. “You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to know right from wrong.

“This bill makes changes to the Indian Act, changes that are being made without sufficient and proper consultation with First Nations people.

“These proposed changes would lay the groundwork for possible privatization of First Nations lands. This is not OK. Privatization is not OK. It does not benefit the people. It benefits companies and big business.

“Young workers and the people of Nova Scotia will feel the effects of the changes Harper is trying to make. We will feel the effects in the air that we breathe, the water we drink and the food that we eat.”